Stimulus method for promoting secretion of growth hormone

ABSTRACT

A method of promoting secretion of a growth hormone includes the step of applying a thermal stimulus to specific sites on a body surface of the subject. The step of applying the thermal stimulus includes the steps of placing two or more guide elements made of two different kinds of metals respectively on at least two different sites of the specific sites, and controlling a temperature of the guide elements to be a range from 40 to 50±5° C., thereby applying the thermal stimulus to the specific sites according to a thermal stimulus pattern so as to increase a rate of blood flow in the subject by 60% or more by the application of thermal stimulus.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/366,534 filed Dec. 1, 2016, which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. application Ser. No. 15/220,992 filed Jul. 27, 2016, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/078,533 filed Mar.23, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/551,730 filed Jul. 18, 2012, which claim priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/508,883 filed Jul. 18, 2011, U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/526,089 filed Aug. 22, 2011, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/635,359 filed Apr. 19, 2012, the contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates to a stimulus applying apparatus andstimulus method to treat a variety of conditions, diseases, disorders,or symptoms, more specifically, a stimulus applying apparatus and methodfor promoting secretion of a growth hormone in a subject by applying astimulus such as a thermal stimulus to specific sites on a body surfaceof the subject.

Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,635 discloses a point surface stimulus methodaccording to a specific acupuncture treatment for reducing anxiousness,for example, stress. The patent discloses that LR3, HT3, and PC6 arespecified as stimulus points of patients. Electrodes are brought intocontact with these three stimulus points, respectively, thereby passingcurrent through the electrode. Here, the LR3 is located on the top ofthe foot, at 2 cm proximal to the margin of the first and second toes.The HT3 is located on the inside of each elbow, midway between themedial end of an elbow crease and the medial epi-condyle of the humeruswhen the elbow is fully flexed. The PC6 is located on each wrist, 2 cmproximal to the midpoint of the wrist crease between the tendons of thepalmaris longus and the flexor carpi radialis muscle. In the patent, aP1 potential is focused on with respect to at least one subcorticalsource, specifically in the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), thecholinergic arm of the reticular activating system. That is, the patentdiscloses that when the above-mentioned stimulus points (LR3, HT3, andPC6) are stimulated with needles, the P1 potential decreases andanxiousness is reduced. In addition, other than the stimulus points LR3,HT3, and PC6, no stimulus points to be stimulated with the needles aredisclosed. However, the patent discloses that, focusing onpedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), anxiousness is reduced due to a decreaseof the P1 potential. However, it does not disclose that due to reductionof anxiousness, it is possible to achieve effects, such as normalizationof blood pressure, degression of stress, rise in body temperature,degression of neutral fat, degression of cholesterol, and an improvementof a blood sugar level due to relief of insulin resistance.

SUMMARY

By earnest research work, the present inventor found out specific areasto be stimulated, at which a variety of conditions, diseases, disorders,or symptoms including diabetes resulting from stress, andlifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and high blood pressure canbe improved by making psychological stress free by a stimulus throughacupuncture needles or heating to specific area to be stimulated of abody surface. In one embodiment, a specific area to be stimulated at abody surface comprising at least one area selected from a group of (F)site that intersects the perpendicular line of the medial malleolus onan extension line of the medial margin on os metatarsale primam 1 and 2in foot sole, and (L) incisurasive foramen supraorbitalis site, and (K)site where the intersection of the line connecting an augulus oculimedialis of eye and L site, and perpendicular of an augulus oculilateralis of eye is located, and (M) site of augulus oculi lateralislocated above 1 horizontal finger from center of the line where connectthe inner end of left and right eyebrow, wherein the specific area to bestimulated is site increasing blood flow 60% or more by application ofstimulate. In another embodiment, a method for increasing the blood flowby application of stimulate to bring an increased rate of blood flow to60% or more at the stimulus specific area to be stimulated at a bodysurface according to the above method. In the method for increasingblood flow, the stimulate is applied the stimulus to the specific areato be stimulated by using thermal, light, vibration, sound wave, orpress.

In one aspect of the present invention, a body surface stimulus methodis proposed for releasing psychological stress, in which stress is madefree by activating a peripheral circulatory function and an autonomicnervous function by applying acupuncture needles to specific area to bestimulated of a body surface, or a stimulus based on heating etc., sothat a symptom of diabetes resulting from the stress and a symptom oflifestyle-related disease such as obesity and high blood pressure may beimproved. The stress-free treatment uses the body surface stimulusmethod for releasing the psychological stress. Since a specific area tobe stimulated of a body surface by acupuncture needles or heating etc.affects a homeostatic function (nerve, immunity, and endocrine system)though a peripheral circulatory function and autonomic nerves, it ispossible to obtain effects, such as a normalization of blood pressure, areduction of stress, a rise in body temperature, a degression of neutralfat, a degression of cholesterol, and an improvement of a blood sugarlevel due to relief of insulin resistance. In the present invention, thestimuli are, non-simultaneously and independently from each other,applied to at least one area selected according to the condition ofdisease, thereby achieving a reduction of psychological stress, a risein core body temperature, a reduction of neutral fat, a reduction ofcholesterol, an improvement of a blood sugar level by relief of insulinresistance, and suppression of arteriosclerosis.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of promotingsecretion of a growth hormone in a subject is provided, which includesthe steps of applying a thermal stimulus to specific sites on a bodysurface of the subject, the sites to be stimulated comprising at leastthe following specific sites (1)-(4): (1) a site that intersects aperpendicular line of medial malleolus and an extension line of medialmargin on OS metatasale primam 1 and 2; (2) incisurasive foramensupraorbitalis maxilla; (3) a Stomach Point NO. 36 (ST 36 point); (4) asite at which a vertical line extending from a center of a right eye anda horizontal line extending in the middle between a lowest part of anose and a highest part of an upper lip are intersected (SP point),and/or any appropriate combinations of (1)-(4), wherein the step ofapplying the thermal stimulus includes the following steps of: placingtwo or more guide elements made of two different kinds of metalsrespectively on at least two different sites of the specific sites(1)-(4); and controlling a temperature of the guide elements to be arange from 40 to 50±5° C., thereby applying the thermal stimulus to thespecific sites according to a thermal stimulus pattern so as to increasea rate of blood flow in the subject by 60% or more by the application ofthermal stimulus.

In one embodiment, the method of promoting secretion of the growthhormone further includes the steps of: storing the thermal stimuluspattern in a memory unit; placing the two or more guide elements made ofthe two different kinds of metals respectively on the at least twodifferent sites of the body surface; reading out the thermal stimuluspattern from the memory unit and outputting the thermal stimulus patternto the two or more guide elements; and controlling a temperature of theguide elements to be a range from 40 to 50±5° C. and applying thethermal stimulus to the sites according to the thermal stimulus patternso as to increase the rate of blood flow by 60% or more by theapplication of thermal stimulus.

In another embodiment, the method of promoting secretion of the growthhormone as described above further includes the step of measuring therate of blood flow by a laser Doppler tissue blood flow meter.

In the present invention, a stimulation of a thermal stimulus pattern,which is formed by controlling an electric type heating apparatus, isnon-simultaneously and independently applied to at least one areasselected according to the condition of disease, thereby achieving areduction of psychological stress, a rise in core body temperature, areduction of neutral fat, a reduction of cholesterol, an improvement ofa blood sugar level by relief of insulin resistance, and suppression ofarteriosclerosis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present stimulus method forreleasing stress, and stress-free medical treatment method by thestimulus method will be apparent from the ensuing description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an electric type heating apparatus usedfor the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a circuit diagram of an electric typeheating apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a thermal stimulus waveform obtained bycontrolling an electric type heating apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of areas of a sole to be stimulated, in which“x” shows os metatarsale primam 1 and 2 interosseous, “y” shows osmetatarsale primam 2 and 3 interosseous, and “z” shows the part thatintersects the perpendicular line of the medial malleolus on theextension line of the medial margin on os metatarsale primam 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a protocol of a thermal stimulus;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an area near a thyroid gland to bestimulated;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an area of a toe of a leg to bestimulated;

FIG. 8 shows the sites (L), (K), (M) as the stimulus specific area to bestimulated;

FIG. 9 shows the infraorbital artery of right eye viewed from above ofeye and the view which the upper wall of the nerves tube of eye andinfraorbital is open.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a subject' face showing additionalstimulation sites.

DESCRIPTION

In a stimulus treatment method according to the present invention, astimulus treatment method for providing medical treatment by applying astimulus to a specific area to be stimulated at a body surface by astimulus applying apparatus so as to bring an increase rate of bloodflow to 60% or more, preferably, 100% or more, wherein the blood flow ismeasured by a laser Doppler tissue blood flow meter attached to acentral part of an inner side of a wrist joint.

The specific area is at least one area selected from a group of osmetatarsale primam 1 and 2 interosseous, os metatarsale primam 2 and 3interosseous, and part that intersects the perpendicular line of themedial malleolus on an extension line of the medial margin on osmetatarsale primam 1 and 2 in foot sole of right and left. Anotherspecific area is an area of a near glandula thyreoidea. Another specificarea is an area between the outer skin and a horizontal line of theinside boundary part of a hallux distal phalanx bottom and a proximalphalanx bone head in foot sole of right and left.

The stimulus is non-simultaneously and independently applied to at leastone areas selected according to a condition of disease.

The stimulus applying apparatus is a heat stimulus applying apparatus,and the heat stimulus applying apparatus forms a warm temperaturestimulus pattern, wherein the stimulus pattern is made up of a thermalstimulus waveform and an interval, and the thermal stimulus waveformincludes a heating waveform obtained by raising temperature to a peaktemperature, 50±5 degrees Celsius by heating, and a heat releasewaveform formed by stopping the heating when the peak temperature isreached.

The stimulus is selected from an acupuncture needle stimulus, a warmtemperature stimulus, an optical stimulus, a magnetic stimulus, and anultrasonic stimulus.

A stress-free treatment method comprises the stimulus method.

A stimulus evaluation method comprises a stimulus method, wherein theincrease rate of the blood flow is used as an indicator of the stimulusevaluation.

In general, two systems will be activated if the stress is applied to aliving organism. One of the systems is a sympathetic nervous systembeginning at a ceruleus nucleus (locus ceruleus), wherein noradrenalinis secreted from nerve ends, and adrenalin is secreted from adrenalcortex.

The other systems include a HPA system (hypothalamus pituitary adrenalaxis), wherein CRH (corticotropine releasing hormone) secreted from ahypothalamus (nucleus paraventricularis) acts on the hypophysis, andACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) secreted from the pituitary anteriorlobe (adenohypophysis) acts on the adrenal cortex, whereby finallyglucocorticoid (cortisol) is secreted from the adrenal cortex. Thecortisol is considered as an index of mental/physical stress, and can bealso measured from saliva. In this stimulus, salivary amylase, ACTH, andcortisol were decreased. It would appear that a normalization of astress reaction system hormone takes place.

Cortisol controls carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, and is anindispensable hormone for living organisms. Blood pressure and a bloodsugar level are raised depending on the quantity thereof secreted bystress, and it affects various living organism functions such as animmune system (inflammatory suppression), that is, for example, causinga decline in the immune function, a blood circulatory system, and ametabolism system (sugar rebirth) (glyconeogenesis). Furthermore, thereis a receptor of the cortisol in a hypothalamus, a hippocampus, and ahypophysis, and if the amount of secretion of the cortisol increases,the amount of synthesis of CRH or ACTH decreases. As a result, thecortisol secretion is suppressed. Moreover, in recent years, there havebeen a report, as an index, based on MRI etc. of the brain of a patientwith a PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), in which when the cortisolis secreted so much due to excessive stress, it atrophies thehippocampus. Thus, the cortisol also affects a central system(cognition, memory, emotions), and prevention of dementia, etc. can beexpected by using an acupuncture needle stimulus.

A substance, which attracts attention together with the cortisol, isDHEA. The DHEA is a steroid hormone secreted from an adrenal cortex aswell as the cortisol. It has been reported that the action is oppositeto the cortisol. For example, although the cortisol suppresses Th1immunity activity (NK cells, killer T cells) and facilitates Th2immunity activity (B cells), DHEA facilitates the Th1 immunity activityconversely. Moreover, it is thought that patients with depression have ahigh cortisol level and have a low DHEA level, and a ratio thereof(cortisol/DHEA ratio) is important. It is considered that DHEA is ahormone which adjusts an action of the cortisol well.

Moreover, DHEA-sulfate (sulfate group-bound DHEA: DHEAS) (sulfate groupbound form) is also thought to be important. Unlike the cortisol, thereis no negative feedback as to DHEA, and if it is secreted, it is changedinto DHEAS and accumulated, for a comparatively short time. Although theDHEAS itself has no activity as a hormone, the DHEAS is changed intoDHEA in an organ which serves as a target, and acts on the target organ.The DHEAS is considered as an index showing a stable state of the DHEA.The DHEA and DHEAS are considered to have relation with stress.

It is considered that there are mechanisms due to vasodilatation andmechanism under influence on sympathetic nerves by such stimulus. Theaction of the dilatation of vessel is considered to increase productionof calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) by the stimulus. It is thoughtthat discharge of the CGRP etc. is increased due to an increase inmuscle blood flow when nerves etc. are stimulated by the stimulus.Namely, efferent autonomic nerves or motor nerves are not included in adorsal spinal nerve root. It is thought that axon-reflex mechanismarises due to a stimulus of afferent nerves etc., and CGRP is dischargedfrom an end thereof, and it is based on the mechanism which a bloodvessel of a governed area is dilated.

Furthermore, the influence on an autonomic nerve activity, which governsa blood vessel, is also assumed. Blood vessels of muscles are governedby adrenergic sympathetic nerves and cholinergic sympathetic nerves. Theformer is vasoconstrictor nerves through an alpha-receptor, and thelatter is vasodilator nerves through acetylcholine. It is said that evenat rest the former always works for the blood vessels of muscle in astate of tonus thereof, so that the blood vessels are always maintainedin a coarctation state to some extent. On the other hand, as to thelatter, it is thought that unstriped muscles of a blood vessel arerelaxed in response to acetylcholine discharged from the end of nerves,so that the blood flow volume increases.

When the stimulus by acupuncture needles or warm temperature heatingmaintains parasympathetic nerve predominance, a long-term sympatheticnerve sthenia status is improved, so that it is also considered thatthere is a possibility that suppression of a RA system in a kidney isfacilitated. This improves a hypertensive patient's QOL.

Furthermore, continuous stimulus treatment such as acupuncture needlesand warm temperature heating showed a tendency of reduced insulin. It isthought that it is based on a continuous improvement of insulinresistance rather than an increase of a temporary insulin secretion.Moreover, obesity is one of the most important risk-factors of IGT.Harris et al. have epidemiologically showed the relation of the IGT andDM, and the obesity, in which that degree of obesity and an increase inweight play a major role in pathogenesis of DM. Therefore, it is thoughtthat an improvement of the obesity problem leads to prevention of DM andalso hypertension. In a medical interview, weight reduction of about 2kg/month on average was confirmed.

Furthermore, in view of a rise in core body temperature and bloodpressure change, etc., it is thought that the stimulus of acupunctureneedles, warm temperature heating, etc. adjusts the blood flow of eachorgan through systemic blood pressure and autonomic nerves. It isthought that there is an effect of acupuncture needles, which areexerted on the systemic blood pressure, that an acupuncture needlestimulus causes a reaction to the systemicity through the sympatheticnerves.

A laser Doppler tissue blood flow meter ALF21D (manufactured by Adovans)is used to measure blood flow on a living tissue. In the laser Dopplertissue blood flow meter ALF21D, when a living tissue is irradiated withsemiconductor laser light (whose wavelength is 780 nm), light reflectedfrom the tissue is converted into an electric signal and the electricsignal is processed, thereby obtaining the information of the bloodflow.

A C type laser probe (10 mm in diameter, 3 mm in thickness, 2 mm² in alaser irradiation area, and 1 mm in measurement depth) of the laserDoppler tissue blood flow meter was attached to a central part of awrist joint horizontal line, and was measured, taking a 15-minute restafter a stimulus. A warm temperature heating probe is attached betweenbone heads of second and third metacarpal bones. And from measurement ofthe blood flow, the increase rate of the blood flow was calculated.

As to the principle of the laser Doppler tissue blood flow, laser lightcollides with red blood cells, which flow through the inside of a bloodvessel, and the Doppler shift (frequency change), which is produced whenreceiving dispersion, is used. This measurement method is characterizedby non-invasive and real time responsiveness and a capability ofconsecutive measurement. Furthermore, the ALF21D, which was used thistime, could display a blood flow on ml/min/100 g scale. This is becausesignal processing is performed based on the theory of Bonner et al.

Description of the mechanism of an increase in a blood flow in astress-free treatment will be given below. A mental stress to a livingbody stimulates sympathetic nerves through the cerebral limbic systemand hypothalamic pituitary, thereby constricting blood vessels andimpairing the microcirculation system including internal organs of theliving body. In the “stress free treatment” in response to a blood flowreduction response, a rise in body temperature of peripheralsubcutaneous part at distances of 3 mm and 5 mm and, secretion controlof stress hormone (amylase, cortisol, and ACTH) have been confirmed.

Furthermore, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) which is a living bodyactivity hormone accelerates an intestinal peristalsis which is secretedfrom an alimentary canal, a pancreas, and a hypothalamus, and increasesa blood flow including that of the alimentary canal etc. Moreover,vascularization and vascular permeability of microvessel are acceleratedby a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is considered thatsince the VIP and VEGF significantly increase by the “stress freetreatment”, both action of the VIP and that of the VEGF were induced, sothat the blood flow of internal organs and peripheral blood flow wereincreased.

From these results, it is considered that with respect to sympatheticnerve activity through the autonomic nerves by the stress stimuli to aliving body and overreaction of hypothalamohypophysial tropic hormones,the “stress free treatment” by thyroid stimulus acts on hypothalamusascendence in an ascending manner, and while discharge of stress hormoneis suppressed, the blood flow was increased through the VIP and VEGF.

Moreover, if a noxious stimulus such as stress and a pain is added to aliving body, a fingertip cutis blood flow decreases, and an asympatheticflow response (SFR) appears. This reaction is evaluated by an indexbased on a peripheral blood flow as a reaction through a sympatheticnervous system against the noxious stimulus. In the stress-freetreatment, a blood flow at a central part of a wrist joint horizontalline increases, according to a laser Doppler tissue blood flowmeter, andit would appear that a reduction of the blood flow, which mediates thesympathetic flow response (SFR) by stress, increases a blood flowthrough the VIP and VEGF by the “stress free treatment” together withthe depression effect of stress hormone.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an electric type warm temperature heatingapparatus used for the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view ofa circuit diagram of the electric type warm temperature heatingapparatus.

A electric type warm temperature heating apparatus comprises theapparatus 10, and a guide element 14 for a thermal stimulus, which isconnected to the apparatus 10 by a lead 12.

As shown, the apparatus 10 includes a memory unit 16, in which thermalstimulus patterns are stored, a control unit (CPU) 18, which reads out athermal stimulus pattern from the memory unit 16, and an output unit 20,which supplies the thermal stimulus pattern to the guide element 14 fora thermal stimulus. A thermal stimulus is applied to a part to bestimulated, according to the thermal stimulus pattern.

A control unit (CPU) 18 is connected to the memory unit 16. A thermalstimulus pattern for obtaining a stimulus condition equivalent to thatobtained from combustion of moxa is stored in the memory unit 16. Thecontrol unit (CPU) 18 reads out the thermal stimulus pattern from thememory unit 16, controls an output to a heating element(s) based ondetection of a temperature sensor 22, and outputs the thermal stimuluspattern to the guide element(s) for a thermal stimulus.

The apparatus 10 is connected to two or more guide elements for athermal stimulus in order to supply the thermal stimulus pattern to atleast two different areas to be stimulated. In this manner, the thermalstimulus pattern is applied to the areas to be stimulated, through theguide elements for thermal stimulus.

A temperature sensor 22 is provided in a position(s) which is correlatedwith a temperature of an affected area near the heating elements. Theguide elements for a thermal stimulus have a structure set forth below.The guide element 14 for a thermal stimulus, comprises a casing ofapparatus 10, a heater which is provided in the casing, and is used as asource of warm temperature heating for applying thermal stimulus, a heatconduction board, which is provided on a lower face of the casing andwhich conducts heat of the heater to a skin of a patient, and a sealboard provided on an upper face of the casing.

A heat conduction board of the guide elements for a thermal stimuluswhich are placed on two different areas, is desirably made up of atleast two different kinds of metals. In this embodiment, aluminum andsteel are used.

A temperature sensor is provided in a predetermined position of thehousing which is in contact with a part of a human body, and detects thetemperature of the position, so as to send a detection signal to asensor amplifier. The control unit (CPU) controls an output of anelectric power generating circuit so that the temperature of theportion, which is in contact with a skin surface of a human bodycontact, may not exceed a predetermined temperature. In the warmtemperature heating apparatus, the surface temperature of the guideelements for a thermal stimulus is controlled so as to be in a rangefrom 40 to 50±5 degrees Celsius.

When the heating temperature of the heating elements detected by thetemperature sensor is equal to or lower than a reference temperature, apositive side period of a pulse signal is controlled so as to be longand a negative side period of the pulse signal is controlled so as to beshort, according to the output of the temperature sensor. On thecontrary, when it is in a state at the reference temperature, a positiveside period is controlled so as to be short and a negative side periodthereof is controlled so as to be long.

FIG. 3 shows a desirable thermal stimulus waveform, which is obtained bycontrolling the electric type warm temperature heating apparatus. Thethermal stimulus waveform includes a heating waveform 2 obtained byheating it to a predetermined peak temperature, for example, 50±5degrees Celsius, and a heat release waveform 3 which is formed bystopping heating after it reaches the peak temperature.

The heating waveform may be a convex shape heating waveform, an upwardsloping line shape heating waveform, or a concave shape heatingwaveform. Moreover, the heating waveforms are not limited to theabove-described heating waveform. It may be a saw-toothed shapewaveform, and concavo-convex waveform. Moreover, the heating waveformand the heat release waveform may be formed as a sine waveform.

A cycle pattern of a thermal stimulus includes a thermal stimuluswaveform made up of a warm heating waveform and a heat release waveform,and an interval before the next warm heating curve. One cycle pattern ofthe thermal stimulus is desirably set so that a thermal stimulus regionmay be 1 second to 30 seconds and an interval between the heatingregions may be 1 second to 10 seconds.

The pattern of thermal stimulus desirably includes independent thermalstimulus waveforms whose phases are shifted so that the patterns ofthermal stimulus do not substantially overlap each other. That is, asshown in the figures, the pattern of thermal stimulus includes a firstthermal stimulus pattern including an interval between a thermalstimulus region and the next thermal stimulus region, and a secondthermal stimulus pattern, which includes a thermal stimulus regionduring a certain period of an interval of the first thermal stimuluspattern and an interval in a first thermal stimulus region.

A cycle pattern of the thermal stimulus is desirably repeated for 10minutes to 30 minutes. And, the cycle pattern of the thermal stimulus isdesirably repeated again.

In addition, as a stimulus, an optical stimulus, a magnetic stimulus, anultrasonic stimulus, a low frequency wave stimulus etc. may be used inaddition to an acupuncture needle stimulus and a warm temperatureheating stimulus.

Embodiment 1

Subjects were adult men and women. Burn injuries were taken intoconsideration so that an electric type warm temperature heatingapparatus, MXA-8000 (SO-257), was used for a warm temperature heatingstimulus. A probe thereof has a diameter of 10 mm, and a heatingstimulus of warm temperature whose peak is 50±5 degrees Celsius wasintermittently performed for 15 minutes. The probe was attached to thefollowing warm temperature heating to the specific area to be stimulatedof a body surface, and the specific areas was heated at 40 to 50 degreesCelsius.

Here, the specific area to be stimulated is at least one selected from agroup of os metatarsale primam 1 and 2 interosseous, os metatarsaleprimam 2 and 3 interosseous, or part that intersects the perpendicularline of the medial malleolus on an extension line of the medial marginon os metatarsale primam 1 and 2 in foot sole of right and left (referto FIG. 4 ). In FIG. 4 , “x” shows os metatarsale primam 1 and 2interosseous, “y” shows os metatarsale primam 2 and 3 interosseous, and“z” shows the part that intersects the perpendicular line of the medialmalleolus on the extension line of the medial margin on os metatarsaleprimam 1 and 2.

And a warm temperature heating stimulus is desirably applied to at leastone specific area to be stimulated non-simultaneously and independentlydepending on the condition of disease.

Table 1 shows a result of blood flow measured at before and after of thestimulus at a central area of a wrist joint horizontal line by using alaser Doppler tissue blood flow meter, and the increase rate of bloodflow. Wherein a warm temperature heating stimulus is applied at leastone selected from a group of os metatarsale primam 1 and 2 interosseous,os metatarsale primam 2 and 3 interosseous, or part that intersects theperpendicular line of the medial malleolus on an extension line of themedial margin on os metatarsale primam 1 and 2 in foot sole of right andleft as specific area to be stimulated.

TABLE 1 stimulation stimulation increase Patient before after rate No. 11.287 2.1036 63 No. 2 3.2791 8.0098 144 No. 3 1.7603 2.959 68 No. 42.8101 4.6872 68 No. 5 5.9857 13.0065 117 No. 6 3.453 6.9631 102 No. 72.0954 4.7401 126 No. 8 1.4332 3.5227 146 No. 9 1.0091 1.7377 72 No. 103.9592 8.0699 104 No. 11 1.5635 3.8743 148

As shown in the Table 1, the effects of the treatment were remarkablewhen the increase rate of the blood flow was 60% or more, and preferably100% or more. At least one specific area to be stimulated, which aredifferent from each other, are selected. The increase rate of the bloodflow is used as an indicator of the stimulus. The increase rate of theblood flow may be 60% or more, preferably, 100% or more. Also, theincrease rate of the blood flow is used as an indicator in evaluation ofthe stimulus.

Taking into consideration influences on the psychological stress throughautonomic nerves, after keeping the subjects at rest in a state of adorsal position for 20 minutes, the blood pressure, core bodytemperature, salivary amylase, and HEARTRATER (artery age) are measuredand a warm temperature stimulus is performed just for 15 minutes, andthey are measured again immediately after the stimulus.

The protocol of thermal stimulus is shown in FIG. 5 . A treatment ismade for the one time and the above-mentioned measurement is carried outbefore and after the treatment and next day thereto. A precapillarycirculation which is innervated by an autonomic nervous system wasmeasured by a deep body thermometer (a deep body temperature monitor,CORE TEMP CM-210 manufactured by TERUMO CORP.), and psychological stressis measured by DAEKI AMY (a salivary amylase monitor manufactured byNIPRO). Furthermore, an arteriosclerosis index and blood vessel age arequantified by HEARTRATER.

Blood is collected twice, that is, before the stimulus and at the sametime one day after the stimulus, and a subject is refrained fromconsuming any food or liquid, except for water after 9:00 PM one daybefore the test and the test day.

Moreover, an advance explanation is made so that they refrain fromundertaking strenuous forms of exercise from 24 hours before the test toone day after the test, and instructions are given to them to use avehicle from home to a laboratory on the morning of the test day ifpossible, and to avoid intense activity and travel with minimum action.

It was observed that temperature rises in the area to be stimulated. Itis noted that increase in the temperature was observed, especially whenthe stimulus was applied to os metatarsale primam 2 and 3 interosseous.As to salivary amylase, an increase tendency was shown when the stimuluswas applied to os metatarsale primam 2 and 3 interosseous. The salivaryamylase increases (+34.25). Moreover, the cortisol is decreased (−3.33)at os metatarsale primam 1 and 2 interosseous, and is decreased (−6.33)at part that intersects the perpendicular line of the medial malleoluson an extension line of the medial margin on os metatarsale primam 1 and2,

When stimulus was applied to os metatarsale primam 1 and 2 interosseous,a significant decrease of systolic arterial pressure was −13.00.

When a stimulus was applied to os metatarsale primam 1 and 2interosseous, a total cholesterol significantly is decreased (−10.33).The neutral fat also is decreased (−24.67) at part that intersects theperpendicular line of the medial malleolus on an extension line of themedial margin on os metatarsale primam 1 and 2. As to A.I.(arteriosclerotic index), when a stimulus was applied to os metatarsaleprimam 1 and 2 interosseous, A.I. is decreased (−0.10).

When a stimulus was applied to the area located at os metatarsale primam1 and 2 interosseous; or os metatarsale primam 2 and 3 interosseous, theblood sugar level is decreased (−5.33 or 5.25). Furthermore, ahemoglobin A1c also decreased (−0.13), when a stimulus was applied to osmetatarsale primam 2 and 3 interosseous.

The amount of secretion of gastrin which is a gastrointestinal hormonewas significantly increased (19.33 or 48.67), when a stimulus wasapplied to an os metatarsale primam 2 and 3 interosseous or part thatintersects the perpendicular line of the medial malleolus on anextension line of the medial margin on an os metatarsale primam 1 and 2.This suggests that the digestive absorption and an intestinalperistaltic motion etc. increased.

When a stimulus was applied to an os metatarsale primam 1 and 2interosseous, an Adiponectin is increased (+1.5). Since the Adiponectinis considered as one of the substances which activates Sirtuin gene, andis one of genes relating to a long life, it was suggested that twostimuli to two areas of the plantar part turned ON the gene related to along life.

When a stimulus is applied to an os metatarsale primam 1 and 2interosseous, or the part that intersects the perpendicular line of themedial malleolus on an extension line of the medial margin on osmetatarsale primam 1 and 2, the leptin is degreased (−0.57 or −0.20).The leptin is called “starvation hormone”, and a body can originallystore fat in the body. It is said that at the present day, 95% of thecause of obesity is “leptin resistance” due to excess leptin. It isthought that the Dayez effect would be expected by adjusting the amountof secretion of this substance.

A balance of an autonomic nerve is measured by Heart regulator. A degreeof an activity of an autonomic nerve is increased (+28.33) at an osmetatarsale primam 1 and 2 interosseous. A degree of a resistance of anautonomic nerve is increased (+14.67) at os metatarsale primam 1 and 2interosseous or (+12.25) at os metatarsale primam 2 and 3 interosseous.An index of a stress is degreased (−17.00) at an os metatarsale primam 1and 2 interosseous. A degree of a fatigue is degreased (−30.00) at an osmetatarsale primam 1 and 2 interosseous.

Embodiment 2

In this embodiment, an example which gave the acupuncture needlestimulus was applied to an area near thyroid gland as the specific areato be stimulated (refer to FIG. 6 ). The thyroid gland is an internalorgan which is located in a shallow position from the body surface, andis observed at the depth in a range of approximately 5 mm-30 mm.Therefore, in general, an examination is performed by using a highfrequency superficial probe in an ultrasonographic examination. The longdiameter of the thyroid gland is approximately 40-50 mm, the thicknessthereof is approximately 12-18 mm, the width diameter thereof isapproximately 15-25 mm, and the thickness of isthmus thereof isapproximately 2-4 mm.

The Acupuncture was performed for a total of ten men and women betweenthe ages of 20 and 60 years old who have diagnosed as high bloodpressure. Expecting influence action to psychological stress which ismediated by autonomic nerves, a disposable acupuncture needle (which wasmade of stainless steel, was 40 mm in length, and was thickness of 0.18mm) was inserted to anterior neck region at a depth of 2-3 cm. Afterkeeping subjects, who were examined, at rest in a state of a dorsalposition for 15 minutes, blood pressure, core body temperature, andsalivary amylase thereof were measured. And then the acupuncture needlestimulus was applied to them for 15 minutes, and they were measuredagain immediately after the needle was got out. The treatment wasperformed seven times, that is, 3 days after the first day, 7 daysthereafter, 10 days thereafter, 14 days thereafter, 17 days thereafter,21 days thereafter,

In EMBODIMENT 2, the blood flow may be measured at before and after ofthe stimulus at a central area of a wrist joint horizontal line by usinga laser Doppler tissue blood flow meter. And the same result as Table 1of EMBODIMENT 1 may be obtained.

Effects

Values of alivary amylase, the highest and the lowest blood pressureshowed significant decreased by the acupuncture needle stimulus. On theother hand, the core body temperatures at the distances of 3 mm and 5 mmalso showed the significant rise.

As for the salivary amylase, the increase was observed in +35. It isthought that since there were subjects who always had a highpsychological stress among subjects with hypertension, the removalthereof decreased the pressure. There was a tendency in which systolicarterial pressure and diastolic blood pressure of the subjects decreased(−13), when the acupuncture treatment continued. It was observed thatsubjects to whom hypotensor is not administered, rise in blood pressureimmediately after the acupuncture treatment. Subjects, who were low incore body temperature at the distances of 3 mm and 5 mm, greatly rose inthe deep core temperature (+2), and it was observed that the core bodytemperature converged at normal body temperature on the whole. Moreover,there was a tendency in which core body temperature before theacupuncture treatment became high, when the acupuncture treatmentcontinued.

When the acupuncture treatment continued, the amount of secretion ofcortisol and further that of ACTH which was a higher center thereof,decreased remarkably, immediately after the acupuncture needle treatmentwas performed on zero day, It was observed that it decreased after goingup gently thereafter. Although the cortisol and ACTH of all the subjectstransiently decreased, immediately after the acupuncture needletreatment was performed, and then the gradual increase tendency wasshown, it was observed that there was a tendency in which it decreasedwhen the treatment continued.

It was shown that there was a tendency to gently decrease in T-CHOL,HDL-CHOL, and LDL-CHOL.

Embodiment 3

In this embodiment, moxa cautery was performed on an area between anouter skin and a horizontal line on an inner border part of halluxdistal phalanx bottom of left and/or right foot and phalanx proximalisin foot sole of right and left as a specific area to be stimulated.

In FIG. 7 , a symbol “∘” shows a specific area to be stimulated betweenthe outer skin and a horizontal line of the inside boundary part of ahallux distal phalanx bottom and a proximal phalanx bone head, andapplies a stimulus.

The moxa was applied to subjects by using pre-rolled moxa. Themoxibustion was continuously performed five times respectively areabetween the outer skin and a horizontal line of the inside boundary partof a hallux distal phalanx bottom and a proximal phalanx bone head, andapplies a stimulus.

The quantity of moxa per one moxibustion is 0.002 g, and the combustiontemperature was 80±5 degrees Celsius at maximum. Two sets of treatments,which were performed in the beginning of week and the end of week, wererepeated three times, that is, the treatment was performed six times intotal.

It was confirmed from clinical data that secretion of thyroid hormonewas activated by applying stimulus to area between the outer skin and ahorizontal line of the inside boundary part of a hallux distal phalanxbottom and a proximal phalanx bone head, and applies a stimulus.

In EMBODIMENT 3, the blood flow may be measured at before and after ofthe stimulus at a central area of a wrist joint horizontal line by usinga laser Doppler tissue blood flow meter. And the same result as Table 1of EMBODIMENT 1 may be obtained.

Thereby, a rise in core body temperature, and prevention and improvementof obesity, diabetes, etc. is achieved. Therefore, it is thought thatthe treatment is one of the effective ways for a therapeutic procedureto lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Especially,explanation will be given below with respect to clinical data of a risein core body temperature, diabetes and obesity on which remarkableeffects were shown.

It was performed for a total of nine men and women between the ages of20 and 60 years old who have diagnosed as diabetes, obesity and highblood pressure. Stimulation was applied by moxibustion to parts betweenthe outer skin and the horizontal line of an inner border of halluxdistal phalanx bottom of left and/or right foot and phalanx proximalis.

As described above, there are effects of a rise in core bodytemperature, a reduction of neutral fat, a reduction of cholesterol, areduction of insulin, and suppression of arteriosclerosis.

It is preferred to perform the stimulus treatment to least one of thespecific area to be stimulated selected from a group of EMBODIMENT 1 orEMBODIMENT 2 or

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate anddescribe exemplary embodiments of the present stimulus method forreleasing stress, and stress-free medical treatment method by thestimulus method. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to any precise form disclosed. It will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents maybe substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from the essential scope. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosedas the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but thatthe invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope ofthe claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than isspecifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spiritor scope.

Embodiment 4

Sites (specific area to be stimulated) to stimulate the blood vessels(artery) and nerves are as follows. FIG. 8 shows the sites (L), (K), (M)as the stimulus specific area to be stimulated. And, FIG. 9 shows theinfraorbital artery of right eye viewed from above of eye and the viewwhich the upper wall of the nerves tube of eye and infraorbital is open.The specific area to be stimulated is site for increasing blood flow 60%or more by application of stimulate.

(L) incisurasive foramen supraorbitalis site;

-   -   site of augulus oculi lateralis located above 1 cm from orbital        height.    -   Site where supraorbitalis artery, vein, and supraorbitalis nerve        branche at face.    -   Site to stimulate the blood vessel (artery) and nerve of eye.        (K) site    -   Site where the lintersection of the line connecting an augulus        oculi medialis of eye and (L) site, and perpendicular of an        augulus oculi lateralis of eye is located.    -   Site where the blood flow of artery in eye amplify.    -   Site to stimulate the peripheral nerves of eye.        (M) site    -   site of argulus oculi lateralis located above 1 horizontal        finger from center of the line where connect the inner end of        left and right eyebrow.    -   Site to stimulate the trochlear of eye.        (F) site (above mentioned)    -   Site that intersects the perpendicular line of the medial        malleolus on an extension line of the medial margin on os        metatarsale primam 1 and 2 in foot sole,

The stimulation at the sites (L), (K), (M), (F) to stimulate isselectively applied.

The stimulation at the sites (L), (K), (M), (F) to stimulate isselectively applied. One combination of the stimulation applicationsites comprises as follows.

Pattern 1; (R)L-(L)L-(R)F

Pattern 2; (L)L-K-(R)F

Pattern 3; L(R)-M-(R/L)F

Wherein (R) is right side, (L) is left side.

The combination of the stimulation application site is not limited thecombination.

It is preferred that is always provided with the site (F) to stimulate.

The stimulation is applied the sites by using thermal, light, soundwave, vibration, or press.

The thermal stimulate is applied by using the thermal stimulateapparatus as mentioned in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 .

Embodiment 5

FIG. 10 is a schematic, front view of a subject' face, including theface 100, the head 102, the eyes 104, the ears 106, the nose 108, andthe mouth 110.

Exemplary stimulation application sites include the following sites:

(1): (F) a site that intersects a perpendicular line of medial malleolusand an extension line of medial margin on OS metatasale primam 1 and 2,

(2): (L) incisurasive foramen supraorbitalis,

(3): ST 36 point, and

(4): SP point.

As previously explained, the site (F) is the part shown in FIG. 4 , inwhich “x” shows os metatarsale primam 1 and 2 interosseous, “y” shows osmetatarsale primam 2 and 3 interosseous, and “z” shows the part thatintersects the perpendicular line of the medial malleolus on theextension line of the medial margin on os metatarsale primam 1 and 2,and the site (L) is the part located above the eyes as shown in FIG. 8 .The “ST point” is one of meridian points designated by the World HealthOrganization (WHO), among which the stomach point NO. 36 is the thirtysixth stomach point of the meridian points. This site is known as “ZuSan Li” (ST36), that is located four finger widths down from the bottomof your knee cap, along the outer boundary of your shin bone. The “SPpoint” is, as shown in FIG. 10 , a site at which a vertical line “a”extending from the center of the left eye and/or the right eye (thecenter of the pupil) and a horizontal line “b” extending in the middleheight between the lowest part of the nose and the highest part of theupper lip are intersected. The vertical line “a” may be set to one ofthe left and the right eyes or each eye to set two SP points.

In the method of promoting secretion of the growth hormone in a subject,the thermal stimulus and/or pressure stimulus is applied by utilizing astimulus applying apparatus as disclosed in the present application tothe above specific sites (1)-(4). Preferably, the stimulus issimultaneously applied to the specific sites (1)-(4).

The stimulus applying apparatus has two or more guide elements made oftwo different kinds of metals. The guide elements are attached to thespecific sites. Then, the guide elements are heated to a temperaturefrom 40 to 50±5° C. so that the thermal stimulus is given to each of thesites.

The stimulus applying apparatus may be an electric type warm temperatureheating apparatus in a controlled manner utilizing a control method asexplained above. In order to increase the effect, the method may includethe steps of storing the thermal stimulus pattern in a memory unit,placing the two or more guide elements made of the two different kindsof metals respectively on the at least two different sites of the bodysurface, reading out the thermal stimulus pattern from the memory unitand outputting the thermal stimulus pattern to the two or more guideelements, and controlling a temperature of the guide elements to be arange from 40 to 50±5° C. and applying the thermal stimulus to the sitesaccording to the thermal stimulus pattern so as to increase the rate ofblood flow by 60% or more by the application of thermal stimulus. Suchmethod can use any configurations or steps disclosed in thisapplication.

Through the above stimulation process applying the stimulus to thespecific sites (1)-(4), preferably to each of the sites simultaneously,the secretion of the growth hormone in the subject can significantly beincreased, which provides the subject with many benefits including theimproved quality of sleep, the decrease in cholesterol, neutral fat,subcutaneous fat and/or visceral fat amounts inside the body, and thestable blood glucose level.

What claimed is:
 1. A method of promoting secretion of a growth hormonein a subject, the method comprising: applying a thermal stimulus tospecific sites on a body surface of the subject, the sites to bestimulated comprising the following specific sites (1)-(4): (1) a sitethat intersects a perpendicular line of medial malleolus and anextension line of medial margin on OS metatasale primam 1 and 2; (2)incisurasive foramen supraorbitalis maxilla; (3) a Stomach Point NO. 36(ST 36 point); and (4) a site at which a vertical line extending from acenter of an eye and a line extending in the middle between a lowestpart of a nose and a highest part of an upper lip are intersected (SPpoint), wherein the step of applying the thermal stimulus comprises thefollowing steps of: placing two or more guide elements made of twodifferent kinds of metals respectively on at least two different sitesof the specific sites (1)-(4); and controlling a temperature of theguide elements to be in a range from 40 to 50±5° C., thereby applyingthe thermal stimulus to the specific sites according to a thermalstimulus pattern so as to increase a rate of blood flow in the subjectby 60% or more by the application of thermal stimulus.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: storing thethermal stimulus pattern in a memory unit; and reading out the thermalstimulus pattern from the memory unit and outputting the thermalstimulus pattern to the two or more guide elements.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising the step of measuring the rateof blood flow by a laser Doppler tissue blood flow meter.